The Agricultural transformation agenda of the Kogi State Government has so far provided direct employment and has placed the state on the Agricultural map of Nigeria.
Capt Idris Wada, Kogi State Governor made the disclosure at the closing ceremony of Kogi State Cassava Processing Training Program at Odu- Ogboyaga in Dekina Local Government Area of the State.
The Governor said as a State that occupies a front position in Rice, Cassava and Cashew production,the State is also strategically working towards development of new crops.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said the present administration has since its assumption of office work consciously towards addressing and arresting the growing youths unemployment in the State and to harness the potentials of its youths using Agriculture.
Capt Wada noted that his administration’s emphasis is on the need for diversification of the state economy using Agriculture.
He urged the youths to put to use the knowledge they have acquired, promising to assist them technically, morally and financially in their businesses.
In his remarks, the Minister for Agriculture Dr Akinwumi Adeshina represented by James Awoniyi, described the present emphasis on agriculture by the Kogi State Government as the best form of insurance policy given to the citizens.
He commended the zeal and determination shown by the present administration in agriculture that has made it a reference point.
Earlier in her speech, the Special Adviser on Youth and Women Development, said 160 youths were trained on cassava processing with the aim of making the participants diversify from production to processing of cassava and to become small scale entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
While the women she disclosed were trained on garri production, the youths she added were trained on the technology involved in the production of dried cassava grits and chips. Similarly, the Youths also were trained on operations and maintenance of the machines and quality control requirements needed for the products to meet export standard.
Also speaking at the occasion, Mohammed Ali, Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, commended the state government initiative, said it will enable the youths of the area to be gainfully employed. He thanked the State Government for placing agriculture on its priority list.
In their separate goodwill message, Abdul Ichaba and Yunusa Achem who spoke on behalf of the youths and Odu-Ogboyaga community, lauded the efforts by the State Government at job creation and economically empowering the people.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of certificates to graduands of the scheme and presentation of merit award to cooperative societies that were outstanding.
